Stand-Alone Target Trap For Absorbing High Velocity Projectiles

ABSTRACT

A projectile absorption target for absorbing multiple projectiles moving at high speed includes, a first layer made from a resilient material to allow penetration of the multiple projectiles, and the first layer further includes a first top surface and a first bottom surface. The target further includes a second layer having a density and thickness sufficient for absorbing and trapping kinetic energy of the multiple projectiles, and the second layer further includes a second top surface and a second bottom surface. The target further includes a projectile casing for securely encasing the first layer and the second layer in position and the projectile casing includes a first surface. The first layer and the second layer are stacked over each other and positioned in a manner such that the first bottom surface of the first layer engages the second top surface of the second layer.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to target traps for use with projectiles, and, more particularly, to target traps for absorbing high velocity projectiles.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In current scenario, users including shooters, sportsmen, law enforcement officers, military personnel and others routinely engage in target practice to maintain their proficiency. Conventionally, target practice is conducted on a shooting range in which targets were placed a distance away from the shooter and the shooter is required to shoot and hit the target. Generally, various types of targets are previously known to give users the ability to practice effectively striking a target with a projectile, such as, for example, a bullet, an arrow, and the like. As stated above, the targets for absorbing bullets and projectiles are primarily used in the training of military personnel or other personnel who are to be trained in the art of marksmanship.

In recent years, various efforts have been made to provide a realistic training for troops and other such military personnel in the art of marksmanship. Target practice has been conducted in environments in which there is little concern for recovering the bullets. Firing ranges commonly used a large mound of dirt to decelerate the bullet after it had passed through the target. However, considerable concern has been raised about the lead contained in the bullet which was free to escape into the environment. For example, when a mound containing a number of bullets became wet, lead could leach into surrounding soil and even the groundwater. When a range was used frequently, a considerable amount of lead could be released into the environment, thereby injuring wildlife and contaminating groundwater supplies.

Another common method for training personnel is by the use of bullet containment chambers to capture fired bullets and fragments thereof. The bullets may be recycled or otherwise disposed of in accordance with environmental regulations. Moreover, many of the prior art containment systems have problems with bullets sticking to the deceleration plates. Additionally, those which provide a containment chamber often limit the access to the chamber. Furthermore, if the chamber becomes damaged or needs maintenance or repair work, it is extremely difficult to access the interior of the trap.

Yet another common type of target is a pop-up target. A pop-up target is typically disposed behind a shield and includes a target which can be made to stand generally vertical. When the target is hit by a bullet, the target will fall over, thereby providing a visual stimulus that the target has been hit. An arm often engages the target and lifts it back into a vertical position to allow further shooting. Other targets may use a spring to draw the target back to the upright position. However, there exist a problem with many pop-up targets is that the target may not fall when hit by a bullet. If the target is still being raised by the arm when it is struck by the bullet, the target will usually not fall and will continue to be raised by the arm. It is well known that multiple targets are available to safely capture the projectile, wherein the most common essential feature for layered targets is that the layers must be sufficiently compressed against each other in order to safely capture the projectile and prevent the projectile from escaping through the layers. Thus, there is a need for an improved target trap which allows for easy repairs of one or more layers of the target trap. There is also a need for a self-supporting target trap capable of absorbing projectiles moving at high speeds.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a projectile absorption target for absorbing multiple projectiles moving at high speed includes, a first layer made from a resilient material to allow penetration of the multiple projectiles, and the first layer further includes a first top surface and a first bottom surface. The target further includes a second layer having a density and thickness sufficient for absorbing and trapping kinetic energy of the multiple projectiles, and the second layer further includes a second top surface and a second bottom surface. The target further includes a projectile casing for securely encasing the first layer and the second layer in position and the projectile casing includes a first surface. The first layer and the second layer are stacked over each other and positioned in a manner such that the first bottom surface of the first layer engages the second top surface of the second layer.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a front view of a projectile absorption target for absorbing multiple projectiles moving at high speed, according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates a rear view of the projectile absorption target for absorbing multiple projectiles moving at high speed, according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3 illustrates a left side view of the projectile absorption target for absorbing multiple projectiles moving at high speed, according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4 illustrates a right side view of the projectile absorption target for absorbing multiple projectiles moving at high speed, according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5 illustrates an exposed left side view of the at least one layer of the projectile absorption target for absorbing multiple projectiles moving at high speed, according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 6 illustrates an exploded view of the projectile absorption target for absorbing multiple projectiles moving at high speed, according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 7 is a view similar to FIG. 6, however showing another embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

With reference to FIGS. 1-6, a projectile absorption target for absorbing multiple projectiles moving at high speed is illustrated by the reference numeral 100. As may be seen, various embodiments of the present invention may embody a diverse range of shapes. However, the preferred geometrical contour may include at least one of a rectangular shape, a square shape, a trapezoidal shape, a quadrilateral shape, a polygonal shape, an elliptical shape, a conical shape, a cylindrical shape, or any preferred combination of such shapes, and the like.

In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the target 100 includes a projectile casing 135 for securely encasing a first layer 105 and a second layer 120 in position. Particularly, the projectile casing 135 includes a first surface 140 to encase the first layer 105 and the second layer 120 in position. Moreover, the projectile casing 135 is made of a rigid plastic material.

In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the first layer 105 is made from a resilient material to allow penetration of the multiple projectiles. Particularly, the first layer 105 further includes a first top surface 110 and a first bottom surface 115. Generally, the first layer 105 is a double wall cardboard insert, and preferably, cardboard is used as it is economical and more durable as compared to other such materials.

In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the second layer 120 has a density and thickness sufficient for absorbing and trapping kinetic energy of the multiple projectiles, and the second layer 120 further includes a second top surface 125 and a second bottom surface 130. Generally, the second layer 120 can be comprised of any number of suitable materials, including but not limited to foams, sponges, foam-like materials, sponge-like materials, and the like. Particularly, materials that are relatively deformable and/or resilient are preferred as the second layer 120.

In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, preferably the second layer 120 is high density foam in order to ensure the retention of the projectiles moving at high speed in the location and the angular orientation at which the projectile passes through the second layer 120.

Accordingly, the material of the second layer 120 is also sufficiently resilient such that removal of the projectiles which have passed therethrough does not leave a distinct hole within the material of the second layer 120. Subsequently, removal of projectiles from the target 100 is not particularly difficult. In use, the foam prevents the projectiles from striking a rear surface of the target 100.

Generally, the first layer 105 and the second layer 120 are stacked over each other and positioned in a manner such that the first bottom surface 115 of the first layer 105 engages the second top surface 125 of the second layer 120.

In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the projectile casing 135 includes a first indentation 140 and a second indentation 145 for removing the first layer 105 and the second layer 120. Preferably, the first indentation 140 is positioned along the perimeter of the casing 135 on left side of the projectile casing 135 and the second indentation 145 is positioned along the perimeter of the casing 135 on right side of the projectile casing 135. Generally, the first layer 105 and the second layer 120 have an open front surface, and the first layer 105 and the second layer 120 are disposable. In use, the first indentation 140 and the second indentation 145 allows the user to remove the first layer 105 from the target 100 by placing his fingers inside the first indentation 140 and the second indentation 145. In use, the first indentation 140 and the second indentation 145 further allows the user to tilt the target 100 for removing the projectiles trapped between the first layer 105 and the second layer 120, after removing the first layer 105 from the target 100.

In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the first layer 105 and the second layer 120 are flatly stacked by an attachment means adapted to secure the first layer 105 to the second layer 120.

In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the attachment means is selected from a list of attachment means including an adhesive material, self-adhesives, adhesive type extensions, attached straps, and the like. Particularly, the attachment means can be self-adhesive material affixed to the first bottom surface of the first layer 105, self-adhesive type extensions that can be attached to the first layer 105 and the second layer 120.

In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, the attachment means includes one or more external compressive means known in the art for securing and flatly stacking the first layer and the second layer.

In use, the target 100 is mounted vertically against another surface such as an interior wall with the aid of closure means for assisting the mounting on or taking off of the wall. Particularly, the closure means are made of Velcro®, snaps, ties or other suitable closure means that will support the weight of the target 100. In practice, once the target 100 is mounted vertically, the target 100 is used to fire projectiles into the target 100.

Therefore, as may be seen, the present invention provides the projectile absorption target 100 for absorbing multiple projectiles moving at high speed, and the target 100 is capable of absorbing and trapping the kinetic energy of multiple projectiles, which may be plastic or resin projectiles, at rates 500 feet per second, without any chances of rebounding ricocheting. Various embodiments of the present invention further allow the firearm training targets, which may be paper, plastic or other material, to be attached to the outermost surface without the need for additional rigid components needed to secure the target in place.

For example, FIG. 7 illustrates a further embodiment 200 of the invention which includes first layer 205 having an integrally protruding element 238 and a second layer 200 analogous to said first layer 120. Further provided is a casing 235 into which layers 215 and 220 fit by virtue of the snap-fit securement of tab 238 within notch 240 of casing 235.

While there has been shown and described the preferred embodiment of the instant invention it is to be appreciated that the invention may be embodied otherwise than is herein specifically shown and described and that, within said embodiment, certain changes may be made in the form and arrangement of the parts without departing from the underlying ideas or principles of this invention as set forth in the Claims appended herewith. Therefore, the appended claims are to be construed to cover all equivalents falling within the true scope and spirit of the invention. 

1. A projectile absorption target for absorbing a plurality of projectiles moving at high speed, said target comprising: a first layer made from a resilient material to allow penetration of said plurality of projectiles, said first layer having a first top surface and a first bottom surface; a second layer having a density and thickness sufficient for absorbing and trapping kinetic energy of said plurality of projectiles, said second layer having a second top surface and a second bottom surface; and a projectile casing for securely encasing said first layer and said second layer in position, said projectile casing comprise a first surface, wherein said first layer and said second layer are stacked over each other and positioned in a manner such that said first bottom surface of said first layer engages said second top surface of said second layer.
 2. The target as claimed in claim 1, wherein said projectile casing comprises at least one indentation positioned along a perimeter of said casing for providing a space to a user to remove at least one of said first layer and said second layer.
 3. The target as claimed in claim 1, wherein said projectile casing comprises a first indentation and a second indentation for removing at least one of said first layer and said second layer, said first indentation being positioned along said perimeter of said casing on left side of said projectile casing and said second indentation being positioned along said perimeter of said casing on right side of said projectile casing.
 4. The target as claimed in claim 1, wherein said first layer and said second layer have an open front surface.
 5. The target as claimed in claim 1, wherein said first layer and said second layer are flatly stacked by an attachment means adapted to secure said first layer to said second layer.
 6. The target as claimed in claim 5, wherein said attachment means is selected from a list of attachment means comprising an adhesive material, self-adhesives, adhesive extensions, attached straps, and the like.
 7. The target as claimed in claim 5, wherein said attachment means comprises at least one external compressive means, and the like for securing and flatly stacking said first layer and said second layer.
 8. The target as claimed in claim 1, wherein said first layer is a double layer cardboard insert.
 9. The target as claimed in claim 1, wherein said second layer is comprised of materials selected from a group consisting of foams, sponges, foam-like materials, sponge-like materials, and combinations thereof. 